Abstract:
[Source:CloudSat Standard Data Products Handbook, Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State University]

The algorithm retrieves the optical depth and effective radius using radar reflectivity measured by the CloudSat CPR, upwelling top of the atmosphere radiance measured by MODIS in several channels, and other ancillary data (eg. geolocation, ... time, and surface albedo). The retrieved values are spectral and represent the optical depth and effective 4adius in the short wave. Using CPR information about the distribution of cloud in the atmospheric column, estimates are then produced of the profile of cloud optical depth versus height in the column.

Access Constraints
Most of the CloudSat data and products will be made available to the CloudSat Science Team and other authorized users in the general science community, via a web-based data server during the on-orbit phase, and all CloudSat products will be sent to the Langley DAAC after the end of the operational phase.